Image:Gervais' show After Life is back for a second series. Pic: Natalie Seery/Netflix

"After this is over I never want to hear people moaning about the welfare state again, I never want to hear people moaning about nurses again. Or porters," Gervaistold The Sun.

"These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families' health selflessly.

"But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool. And, you know, honestly, I just don't want to hear it."

Gervais, who is currently promoting the second series of his Netflix show After Life, in which he plays a local journalist who decides to say and do whatever he wants following the death of his wife, also spoke about his upbringing, saying life was a "struggle" when he was younger.

He said he realised growing up that "all the best things were free - friends, nature, learning and healthcare" - which is why he applauds the NHS heroes as the coronavirus lockdown continues.